covertness|ˈkʌvətnɪs| [f. as prec. + -ness.] That quality or state of being covert; secrecy. 1586A. Day Eng. Secretary ii. (1625) 103 In respect of the covertnesse, safety and assurance in him reposed.1730–6in Bailey (folio), Covertness, hiddenness.1755in Johnson; and in later Dicts.